Coffee shop slated for Woolworths Building

The left set of doors is expected to be occupied by a coffee shop at the former Woolworth's store at 518 E. Houston St.

In the next couple of months, Houston Street should get another coffee shop.

According to the agenda for today’s HDRC meeting, the latest tenant of the Woolworth Building, near Alamo and Houston streets, is requesting approval for the alteration of the historic storefront. The space is about 1,100 square feet, and has been leased by Kiran Bhalla, owner of downtown eateries Healthy Me, 209 E. Travis St., and croissant shop The Unofficial Best of Texas, 101 Alamo Plaza. Downtown architect Vgarcia3 Inc. is handling the project.

The store is a 60-day project, Bhalla said in a brief conversation on Monday. The location is right around the corner from Alamo Plaza and in front of one of the areas designated for the city’s bike rental program, which is expected to begin in May, according to the city. There is still some space available for lease in the former dime store.

It’s an auspicious time for Houston Street. In the building next door at 516 E. Houston St., local club owner Vince Cantu is working on a bar and grill-type establishment. An opening date and name have not been announced.